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Our Review

I love a cappella choral music when the holidays roll around; the sound is welcoming and intimate. My predilection put me in the perfect frame of mind to review Christmas with Musaic, a pleasing holiday release.

Musaic consists of eight male voices, beginning as a few friends who discovered their mutual passion for singing only a few years before recording this album. Based in the San Francisco Bay area, these men are remarkably accomplished, given the limited amount of time that they have spent performing together. Three things immediately appealed to me here. First, these guys obviously enjoy what they're doing, and that enthusiasm is communicated through every note. Second, the song selection on Christmas with Musaic ranges from the seriously classical (a breathtaking O Magnum Mysterium opener) to the simply silly (Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, for example); the diverse mix enriches the listening experience. Finally, the arrangements here are consistently cool (most by Tim Isbell); the multiple parts interact with rare sophistication and joy. As it turns out, my favorite tracks tend toward the more contemplative pieces, including the classy opener and the beautiful Wexford Carol (Emilio Mercado has a magnificent baritone solo).

Congratulations, Musaic, on accomplishing so much so quickly! May you continue to enjoy the passion of creating wonderful a cappella harmonies this holiday season and for many years to come!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Musaic is
T-Lee Thompson-Jones (Tenor)
David M.J. Saslav (Tenor)
Andy Rice (Tenor)
Ted Masur (Tenor)
Mark Penn (Baritone)
Emilio Mercado (Baritone)
Matthew Schermerhorn (Bass)
Tim Warner (Bass)

Recorded 2003 at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Cupertino, CA
Artistic Director: Mark Penn
Project Manager: Emilio Mercado
Design: Tim Warner


From the Website:

A successful artistic venture has a unique and bold vision. Ours is to share beautiful and compelling men's a cappella singing with our bay Area community at the highest level of musical excellence. Our music is rooted in classical choral traditions, through a repertoire that includes a wide range of styles and genres in a variety of languages. The members of Musaic are passionate about men's ensemble singing, and devote a great deal of time to the group.

Musaic began in 2000 as a few friends gathering to sing for their own pleasure. By 2001, we grew to eight members, performed our first concert, and took the name Musaic to represent a mosaic of song and voice.

Musaic

Christmas with Musaic

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Track List